STRATEGIES
Build a strong foundation in food service, administration, and customer service.
Courses in communications, marketing, management, law, accounting, and food
and beverage controls are a must. Develop the ability to make quick decisions
independently. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by taking leadership
roles in student organizations. Gain experience working with budgets. Work in
a restaurant, catering facility, campus dining hall, or local hotel to gain
relevant experience. Be prepared to work "from the bottom up" to gain
industry experience.

STRATEGIES
Interest and experience working with the public are very valuable. Develop problem-solving
skills. Start in reservations or telephone sales. Master the product line and
learn to give excellent service. Develop computer skills and knowledge of different
programs. Gain experience working with budgets by serving as treasurer or financial
officer of an organization. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by taking
leadership roles in student organizations. An orientation toward service and
detail is necessary to succeed. Learn state, federal and local government job
application process.

STRATEGIES
Gain experience through planning activities/events for campus and civic/community
organizations. Develop the ability to make quick decisions independently. Practice
excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Enhance creative thinking skills. Display good planning and organizational skills.
Attend conferences for student organizations and professional associations.
Take classes in business, commercial recreation, advertising, and public relations.
Gain experience working with budgets and fundraising. Learn state, federal,
and local government job application process.

AREASMARKETING/ADVERTISING
Market Research
General Sales
Meeting and Convention Sales
Incentive Travel Sales
Media Planning and Development
Public Relations: Publicity/Promotions

STRATEGIES
Consider a minor in public relations, marketing, business, or advertising.
Gain competency in a variety of computer programs, especially computer graphics.
Gain experience in customer service and communication skills.
Learn about geography and international travel regulations.
Strive for excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Learn to think creatively in order to develop unique marketing campaigns and
selling techniques.
Attend conferences and trade shows.
Join student clubs and professional associations in your field of study and
volunteer for their publicity committees.
Start in reservations or telephone sales. Learn the product line and how to
deal with travel agents and customers.
Be willing to relocate to a major city like Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, or
New York for more opportunities.
Learn state, federal, and local government job application process.

STRATEGIES
Supplement your program with courses in industrial psychology, business, communications,
and law. Consider a minor in human resources. Obtain a graduate degree in business
or law for advancement opportunities. Be a leader in student organizations and
professional associations. Attend their meetings and conferences. Study the
industry leaders and trends by reading trade journals. Gain experience in decision-making,
planning, budgeting, and human resources issues through an internship or co-op.
Be flexible geographically.
Create a network of contacts for advancement. Strive for excellent interpersonal
and public speaking skills. Be prepared to work "from the bottom up"
to gain industry experience.

STRATEGIES
Study and gain an in-depth knowledge of industry trends. Consider a journalism
minor to learn writing skills and objectivity. Gain writing experience by working
for your college newspaper and other publications or by writing for student
organization newsletters. Develop effective research methods and computer skills.
Practice paying attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

AREASEDUCATION
Teaching
Research
Administration

EMPLOYERS
Colleges and universities

STRATEGIES
Determine an area of expertise. Gain an in-depth knowledge of that industry,
its leaders and trends by reading recent books, journals and annual reports.
Learn writing and research skills. Maintain a high grade point average and secure
strong recommendations for graduate school admission. Obtain a Ph.D. to teach
at the university level. Gain professional industry experience. Attend and speak
at conferences, trade shows and professional associations. Network in the industry
for professional contacts.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry-level government and industry positions.

Master's degree qualifies you for community college teaching and advancement
in industry and government.

A doctoral degree is required for advanced research or teaching positions in
colleges and universities and senior positions in government.

Join professional organizations such as The National Tour Association, The
American Hotel and Motel Association, or The National Restaurant Association
to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to increase networking contacts.

Check with your school's career center, faculty members, and professional organizations
for employment leads. Create a network in the industry to establish contacts
for advancement.

Take additional courses and/or travel abroad to gain a better understanding
of world history, geography, foreign languages and customs, and international
relations. This will help you relate to more guests.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University
of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA
Employer